The Enchanting Surprises of the Journey: Exploring Mount Taranaki in New Zealand

Renowned author Ken Poirot once aptly stated, “The best part of a journey is the surprise and wonder along the way.” Indeed, some of the most unforgettable travel experiences come from those unplanned, spontaneous adventures. This sentiment deeply resonated with us during our memorable visit to New Zealand in November 2016 when we stumbled upon the majestic beauty of Mt. Taranaki, a destination that was not originally on our itinerary.

Our expedition took an unexpected turn as we veered away from the well-trodden path, venturing into uncharted territory. The exhilarating feeling of abandoning our map and forging our own course was the genesis of an extraordinary adventure.

As we embarked on our journey, the prospect of exploring Mt. Taranaki loomed ahead, and skepticism lingered. Yet, as we traversed pebbled roads and traversed dense forests, we soon realized the allure of this spontaneous detour. Mt. Taranaki, with its breathtaking symmetry and conical form, presented itself as one of the most striking volcanoes we had ever encountered, often drawing comparisons to the iconic Mount Fuji in Japan.

The moment we caught our first glimpse of Mt. Taranaki after a five-hour drive, our hearts were captivated. Its snow-capped peak against a backdrop of lush greenery left us in awe, prompting exclamations of admiration. This unexpected gem in our journey turned out to be a highlight we couldn’t have foreseen.

With the desire to capture the essence of this awe-inspiring landscape, we set out to find the perfect Instagram-worthy spots. Fortunately, Mt. Taranaki offers an array of picturesque angles, visible from miles in every direction. Our adventure began from the eastern entrance of Egmont National Park, where we embarked on a scenic drive, unwrapping stunning vistas as we progressed.

Pembroke Road: Among the finest locations for uninterrupted photographs, Pembroke Road also serves as one of the entry points to Egmont National Park. Depending on your desired proximity to the mountain, on clear days, you can capture the perfect shot, featuring vibrant foreground greens juxtaposed with the snow-capped peak—an idyllic postcard image.

Dawson Falls: For those inclined to hike and willing to spare an hour, Dawson Falls is a must-visit. Climb the lookout tower near the car park to behold breathtaking panoramas while capturing the falls themselves.

Lake Mangamahoe: This serene lake nestled in the midst of lush vegetation offers a unique perspective of Taranaki. As you drive to the end of Park Road, the mountain gracefully emerges in the background. If you’re fortunate, you might capture the mountain’s reflection in the tranquil waters. Unfortunately, we missed this enchanting reflection due to unexpected gusts.

Cape Egmont: A short detour off Highway 45 leads to a coastal dead-end where an enchanting old lighthouse and breathtaking coastal vistas await. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely break and leg-stretching before embarking on a coastal drive. Although we couldn’t capture the classic blurry background image of the mountain behind the lighthouse due to changing weather conditions, the scenery remained captivating.

A few essential pointers for your Mt. Taranaki expedition:

• Plan your hike on the mountain trails meticulously to make the most of your visit.
• Keep a close eye on the weather forecast, as the region is known for its frequent weather fluctuations, even in summer.
• If you prefer to witness the mountain adorned in greenery, consider visiting during spring or early summer.

Statistics of our adventure:

• Starting Point: Lake Taupo
• Total Miles Driven: 220
• Miles Walked: 0.8
• Duration of Adventure: 9 hours